Should I accept scholarship money from a confederate group?

[struggle4progress]

Q: ... I am a high school senior, and will be applying to colleges and for scholarships soon. I am having a disagreement with my parents ... I am eligible, because of an ancestor that was a Confederate, to apply for scholarship money from an organization that promotes the “grand history” of the Confederacy. I can’t stomach their beliefs, and I do not want to apply for their scholarship ... My parents think any money is good money, and that getting one of these scholarships doesn’t say anything about me as a person, but I completely disagree. I think it would imply that I was proud of my Confederate ancestors, which I am not, and that I support this organization, which I don’t. Am I being “too PC” or are my parents wrong in not considering the source of this possible money?

A: College is so expensive that I can understand your parents wanting you to apply ... However, I agree that this money is tainted ... Surely, to apply, you have to do more than just give genealogical proof that you are related to someone who fought to keep slavery intact. You would likely have to write an essay about how you believed in this cause, and how you will use the scholarship funds toward the glory of it. That would be fraud and you should not engage in it ... So you and your parents should start researching whether you are eligible for financial help from a source that you can honestly embrace.

http://www.slate.com/articles/life/dear_prudence/2015/09/dear_prudence_should_i_take_scholarship_money_from_a_confederate_organization.html

[Human101948]

1. Take the money and make a point of telling them that you are taking courses...

that are anathema to them.

[Nitram]

2. I agree. Take the money and do some scholarship that...

...exposes them as frauds, racists and liars.

[brush]

3. Come on, if she tells them that she won't get the money

IMO she should leave that tainted money on the table.

By doing morally what's right, I believe other funding avenues will open up.

[geek tragedy]

4. Take the money and take African-American studies courses with it nt

[world wide wally]

5. Take it and just brake the courses you were going to take anyway

If you have to write an essay, just avoid the politics